An apparatus for the artificial ageing of blocks, in particular concrete blocks, clinker bricks and natural stone blocks, has a base on which the blocks can be placed in such a way that their surfaces to be treated and the adjoining edges are exposed. Essentially freely movable striking bodies are used for treating the surfaces and the adjoining edges of the blocks. A vibrating device sets the blocks and the striking bodies in motion relative to one another in such a way that the striking bodies act on the surfaces and the exposed edges of the blocks. In this case, the striking bodies are movably fastened to a retaining device in such a way that the striking bodies are freely movable within a defined region of the surface of the blocks.